What is the Difference Between Flash Flood and Riverine Flood?

The main difference between a flash flood and a riverine flood lies in their causes, duration, and characteristics.

• Flash Flood: A flash flood occurs when runoff from excessive rainfall causes a rapid rise in the water height of a stream or normally-dry channel. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains that rip through river beds, urban streets, or mountain canyons. They are typically caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours. Flash floods generally cause greater loss of life.
• Riverine Flood: A river flood occurs when water levels rise over the top of river banks due to excessive rain from persistent thunderstorms over the same area for extended periods of time, combined rainfall and snowmelt, or an ice jam. Riverine floods generally cause greater loss of property.

In summary:

• Flash floods are caused by intense, short-duration rainfall, leading to rapid water level rise and often causing significant loss of life.
• Riverine floods are caused by persistent heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams, leading to a more gradual water level rise and often causing significant property damage.

Comparative Table: Flash Flood vs Riverine Flood

Flash floods and riverine floods are both devastating natural disasters that can cause significant damage to human lives and property. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

In summary, flash floods occur quickly and without much warning, while riverine floods develop more slowly due to continuous rain or river overflow. Flash floods are characterized by fast-moving torrents, whereas riverine floods spread out over a larger area. Flash floods can be more dangerous and cause more stress due to their sudden nature, while riverine floods allow more time for people to prepare and evacuate.